Rwanda has launched a groundbreaking nationwide campaign to advance maternal and child health themed End Child Stunting. Scheduled to run until January 17, 2025, the initiative focuses on reducing child stunting while promoting comprehensive health and well-being for mothers, children, and adolescents.
The campaigns will focus on Maternal Health, Child and Adolescent Well-being, Nutrition, Hygiene, and Full Immunization for Children. This underscores Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of its youngest citizens and fostering a healthier future for all.
Organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the campaignincludes health activities across the country, involving both healthcare professionals and local communities.
Dr. Cyiza François Régis, from RBC, explained that a child’s health begins during pregnancy. He emphasized the importance of prenatal care. Pregnant women are encouraged to attend all eight prenatal check-ups. Safe deliveries in health facilities are also promoted. Dr. Cyiza stressed the need for better attendance in the first trimester. Currently, 93% of women attend check-ups, but only half of them do so early enough.
Dr. Cyiza François Régis, from Rwanda Biomedical Centre
“We need to ensure that more mothers attend early check-ups,” Dr. Cyiza said. He also highlighted that Rwanda still has a high maternal mortality rate, which they hope to reduce through better care.
The campaign also focuses on hygiene and nutrition. Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months. They are also advised to provide balanced nutrition to their children to help prevent stunting.
Full immunization of children is a top priority. The government is working to ensure all children receive the vaccines they need to stay healthy. As part of the campaign, deworming tablets will be given to children and adults, and vitamin A supplements will be distributed to boost immunity.
Local health advisors are playing a key role in the campaign. Mukurizehe Concessa, a health advisor from Kibara Cell in Gikomero Sector, shared how they follow up with pregnant women to make sure they get the care they need. “We ensure that no one gives birth at home anymore,” she said. “All mothers are delivering in health facilities now.”
The campaign also focuses on preventing malaria. Families are encouraged to adopt protective measures and seek treatment if necessary.
Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, expressed hope for the campaign’s impact. “We want a Rwanda where every woman has good health during pregnancy,” she said. “Where no one dies during childbirth. When children are well cared for, they grow into healthy adults who will contribute to society.”
This campaign is part of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to improve health and achieve universal healthcare coverage. The government hopes that these activities will lead to lasting changes in health behavior, ultimately improving the health of mothers and children across the country.